Science & Military 2/2010

HIGHER EDUCATION IN AIR FORCE: CHALLENGES AND PERSPECTIVES

Florin MOISESCU, Mircea BOSCOIANU, Vlad VÂGA

Abstract: Training of civil aviation and military personnel is based on higher education offen by, Air Force Academy, but also the courses Romanian Aviation Academy, and sport aviation. The Romanian aeronautics research set off while the great academies of the world believed that "the problem of flight with a device that weighs more than air can not be resolved and there is only a dream and he did successfully.In terms of aviation higher educational institutions, education is based more on teaching and learning and less or not at all on the research. There weren’t made any investments in research, not even in the present days and no support for young aviation enthusiasts is offered. Prospects are, as before, very good. We have, however, the same old dilemma: how to fund research and aviation industry? Does it follow another period of decline? Do we continue the series of missed opportunities? Or accept what the European papers say, that we should try a new road at the long-term sustainable development, the recovery of existing capacity and develop new science and technological progress, the elimination of the standard of living gap with the West, the which supports and accepts resignation of hundreds of years? Europe says that there where is the aviation industry, there is sustainable development.

Keywords: Air Force (AF), aviation industry, R&D research and development, global economic crisis.

1 INTRODUCTION both financial and technical as it required a special fabrication, because in those days the series The aeronautical sector faces significant assembly lines were inexistents. challenges especially in the twenty-first century. Vuia had to go to benefit the technical has always had competence in the field of conditions of one of the most developed countries aviation and has a definite place both in history and where technical, to be able to fly some a few tens of especially, in this European aviation industry, while meters into the air,with a device conceived by other eastern countries like Poland, Czech Republic himself, but his step up, first in the world (1906), and Hungary make efforts to find a place. The conducted by its own means has a special Romanian aeronautics research set off while the significance. great academies of the world believed that "the Among the great pioneers of aviation inventors problem of flight with a device that weighs more include some romanian, first Vuia, Vlaicu and than air can not be resolved and there is only a Coanda. Between 1900 and 1910, Vuia's aviation dream and he did successfully”. achievements were the big break trough.. The first Years after the fall of 1989 meant a further flight of an aircraft heavier than air, with onboard reduction of the Romanian aviation industry handeling system, and the first aircraft powered by imposed by the disappearance of traditional markets jet engine are due to them romanian creations. It can and the difficulties of transition to the new economic be argued, rightly, that "Our Air Force was born system. along with the world’s one." The Romanian science schools were formed in Our people gave to aeronautics lots of talented the late XIXth century. Also then have defined the inventors. Contribution, if not of all of them, at least main directions of modern development of our art. of some, to whose originality, was for that era In the same century, was founded The Romanian obvious, it is worth getting out of anonymity Academy, University of Iasi and , as the because they were busy perfecting fly machines and first institution of higher education named as their projects have been unjustly forgotten . Even "School of Pont and roads, mines and architecture”. though most could not be accomplished due to harsh However, technical and scientific preoccupations are conditions in which worked their makers, some of very old on and noteworthy achievements were them present even so a great interest, because are recorded, representing a rich tradition in our country. based on ideas wich technical evolution has A domain in which the inventive spirit of man confirmed them. The third figures that represent the must necessarily be doubled with heroism was and crowning of romanian aeronautical creations are: remained the same of flight, from the legendary , Traian Vuia and Henri Coanda. They Daedal and Icar to the crews of today's cosmic have wrote glorious page in the history of romanian modules. The Romanian ingenuity, spirit of sacrifice aeronautics, bringing a first grade contribution to the have come from so-called "prehistory" of the aircraft development of air navigation. to its highest level of today’s cosmonautic. There The scientists, the engineers, inventors are were very hard times for the inventors in this area. contributing to continuous improvement of flight At the begining of the XXth century, the simply technique. "The Romanian people," said purchase of a jet engine was a difficult problem, academician E. Carafoli, "are among the first people

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who participated in this wonderful manifestation of and a good innovative potential from the young human genius that had to lead in only half of researchers in this field. a century, to a stunning development of air In aeronautical R&D, there are also reasons for navigation." optimism. In Bucharest, there are currently three research institutes of aviation, two governmental, the 2 RESEARCH IN AVIATION: REALITY National Research - Development and turbo AND PROSPECTS COMOTI and National Institute for Aerospace Research "Elie Carafoli" (Incas) and one private, This beautiful story is the beginning of Calculation and Testing Institute for Aero Structures Romanian aviation, from which we like to get a - Astronautics STRAERO all three, came from the mention from time to time. But there is another old INCREST, founded by Henri Coanda. The three story, woven with the first one, and in conjunction research institutes active in analysis and testing with the question "Why is not investing in Romanian aircraft structures and materials, flight control research aircraft?". The story of failures, missed systems analysis and design and development of project, the waste of opportunities and people. In testing facilities (STRAERO) of general 1901 Traian Vuia start to work in , at the draft aerodynamics, flight dynamics and systems, space of his first flight. Due to financial shortcomings, structures, strength of materials aviation and after repeated failed attempts to obtain funds from aerospace propulsion systems (INCAS), respectively both Bucharest and Paris, Traian Vuia fails to build aviation turbine engines, energy and energy the aircraft until 1906, three years after the first efficiency and environmental protection and recorded history of human flight brothers Wilbur greening. Among the most important achievements and Orville Wright. What would have happened if of the Romanian research institutes of aviation in Vuia would find the necessary funding in 1901? We recent years can be mentioned the development of will never know. How do we know how it would be aircraft IAR 93, IAR 95, IAR 99, IAR 823, IAR 827 no written history of Romania if the Coanda air-built (STRAERO), AG 6, and - T and ECO 100 (INCAS ) rocket for the Romanian Army in 1905 had been and modernization of IAR 330 and 300 and MiG 21 developed and realized its true potential. Or aircraft VYROBU. hydroplane was designed by John Paula One of the big problems of the Romanian developments in 1911, abandoned for lack of funds? research, often claimed by scientists as the main And the sad story continues: in 1910, prototype cause of poor results of R&D is inadequate funding Vlaicu I successfully participate in the general from government, research and development military maneuvers, Romania was, at that time, the infrastructure exceeded (by current standards second country in the world using this weapon. facilities gap is 5 to 10 years); non-adaptation to Aurel Vlaicu but fails to persuade the Romanian competitive market conditions, the reduction and Government to begin construction of its own increasing average age of researchers. Another aircrafts series and Army aircraft will be equipped major problem is still the weak link between with French aircrafts. research and economy and relatively low capacity to The years after the Revolution from december exploit research results. Economic interest and 1989 meant a further reduction of the Romanian involvement in research and development and aviation industry imposed by the disappearance of innovation are low; in 2003 funds raised from traditional markets and the difficulties of transition businesses to co-finance such projects represent only to the new economic system. Factories in Bucharest, 35 % of the total budget of the National Plan for Brasov, Craiova, Bacau close or restrict their Research, Development and Innovation activity, and the opening of the romanian borders (NPRDI).[1] With the launch of Framework makes, many of Romanian aviation specialists to Programme 7, the European Union has paid to migrate. European researchers millions of euro, virtually Where are we today? Miraculous, perhaps eliminating the deficiency for Romania to the budget Romanian aviation and refused to disappear this created by lack of money. In practice, funding still time too.It survived the transition IAR Brasov, remains a problem for many Romanian researchers, Craiova aircraft, Aerostar Bacau, Bucharest and that's because I have not yet proven ability to Turbomecanica and Aerofina. They opened attract funds. Another branch of analysis is modernization programs and training school aircraft dedicated to the analysis of the competitiveness. The IAR 99 Hawk, the IAR 330 Puma "SOCAT", and robustness of the national system of higher MiG 21 Lancer (110 upgraded appliances). education could be viewed as a global indicator for Romanian aeronautical research (R&D) has an the ability to sustain its position in a global intresting growth potential because of the tradition in knowledge economy. [3] this industry, a very good preparation of students

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3 EDUCATION FOR RESEARCH IN Meanwhile, in addition to the objectives of MILITARY UNIVERSITIES increasing public funding, private question, mentioned in the policy research and development The three key pillars of the knowledge society: and innovation (RDI), an important goal in post- education-research-innovation are key factors for accession period is to increase the impact of research competitiveness and cooperation in global & development and innovation in the economy socio-economic development. [4] (orientation results). From this perspective, it is Training human resources for the new society essential to develop / deepen partnership "business / knowledge economy requires an integrative vision environment - universities - research institutes, both for the entire life cycle of adapting means and in terms of application of research / innovation and methods specific steps in close correlation with the access to results. evolution of science and culture, knowledge in The Bologna process is a far-reaching reform, general. Orientation to the educational system and involving currently 45 countries, which aims at the vocational skills and build capacity to accumulate creation of a European Higher education Area by knowledge to solve problems, develop innovation 2010. Major steps in that direction, currently and creativity to stimulate curiosity and desire to underway, include the creation of a comparable explore is a necessity in a globalized education and structure of academic degrees, mutual recognition of research. diplomas and course units, the assessment of Education for research, scientific research and academic institutions and programs based on innovation are essential requirements for a common quality standards, and direct incentives to competitive university in the context of geographical mobility of students and staff. [5] globalization. The key role in training highly The results of the study that the predominant qualified human resources, by contributing to issues or challenges encountered by the respondents knowledge development through creative and can be divided in five categories with the following innovative capacity promoted key pillars universities three most important frequent experiences: 1) are in knowledge-based society. The scientific problems regarding the students and their level of research in universities in close correlation with the knowledge and experience, which was the most formative process performance can, and should, frequent issue raised by the professors; 2) curricula contribute to knowledge production. The problems with regards to the adaptability to the new capitalization in the process of innovation and system requirements and 3) the lack of knowledge transfer in the socio-economic outcomes is essential. and enough information for both the students and the A specific feature of universities is the use of academic staff in what concerns the Bologna Process multi and interdisciplinary research, via different and its differences with the old system. The other partnerships. This is efficient also in the context of two categories are close related to one another and the explosion of knowledge and their recovery. refer to the people mentality and resistance to Skills for inter-and transdisciplinary research, for change as well as the bureaucracy and administrative research in multidisciplinary teams is another problems existing in the Romanian faculties. dimension to the work undertaken by universities. Faculty indicated that the predominant current In the context of integration into the European challenges/issues centered on the shifts in paradigm, education and research, universities are called upon process planning issues, coordination of the Bologna to assume responsibility for specific tasks to produce Process whit accreditation issues and limited new knowledge, training highly qualified human resources, lack of student information and the resources competitive at European level by shortened cycles for each of the three degree levels. harnessing knowledge transfer and innovative In the long term a noted superficiality and lack of products in the socio-economic environment. It must leadership were of concern. With regard to benefits move to a qualitatively new stage in the process of faculty currently perceived there to be career education and scientific research that it matches the opportunity, mobility, wider choices and program values system of international education and improvement with both national and international research. The three universities coordinate benefits. complementary activities - education, research and With regard to the use high tech tehnology in innovation and require a reconsideration of touch military and civilian aeronautics, for to remain with society and adapt their performance according competitive and to increase the level of participation to selected universities and priorities and available for Romania the overall circuitul idea in this field is resources and objectives. necessary to take into the following aspects: it is The social dimension takes on new facets of necessary to don’t forghet the fundamentals (training education and democracy requires people able to in mathematics and physics); for susteneible growth learn, to seek and develop new complex subjects in of the eficientely of tehnological transfer is the new knowledge-based society. necessary to participate more actively at Europian

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partener ships; it is necessary a better gouvernmental References support in the field of aeronautics by using different types of grands/ notional competitions of projects [1] HANNUN, E., BUCHMANN, C.: (2003) The and a dedicated stimulation of innovative SMEs Consequences of Global Educational which activate in aeronautical industry. Expansion, American Academy of Arts and Sciences. 4 CONCLUSIONS [2] http://www.cnfis.ro/documente/FinantareIS.pdf accessed on June 25, 2010. In terms of aviation higher educational [3] CARDOSO, A. R.: (2007). Demand for higher institutions education is based more on teaching and education programs: the impact of Bologna learning and less or not at all the research. Achilles process. heel is lack of assessment of Romanian research, [4] http://www.realitatea.net/tudor-luchian- many scientists argue that the vital Romanian profesorul-care-a-renuntat-la-oxford-pentru-a- research funding but not how to do the assessment face-cercetare-in-romania_704598.html results. ''Hundreds of thousands of dollars paid in the accessed on June 29, 2010. budgets of collective facilities resulting either [5] European Commision (2009): Higher Education broken or the same quality work with the '90s, when in Europe 2009. Developments in the Bologna research funding was almost non-existent. In this Process. sense, especially for true revival of the research [6] REINHARDT, Z., ALMASAN, O.: (2010). system in Romania is desirable efficiency audit of Practice models and public policies i the spending''. [6] management of higher education. An objective and fair assessment of the situation of higher education in accordance with the reality of Romania in the European context, one can only be a collective complex of several fields, where Prof. Florin MOISESCU, PhD. a decisive role it should have experts from Ministry “Henri Coandă” Air Force Academy of Education and academics with experience. 160 Mihai Viteazul Street University funding is a major integrated into 500 183 Braşov, Romania a building complex which includes, inter alia, E-mail: [email protected] national education policies, sectoral policies developed and implemented by the Ministry of Prof. Mircea BOSCOIANU, PhD. Education, its relationship with social partners “Henri Coandă” Air Force Academy represented by unions, civil society and specific 160 Mihai Viteazul Street policies proposed by the Advisory Councils. 500 183 Braşov, Romania The results of research and technological E-mail: [email protected] development is scientifically innovative solutions will be subject to patents in accordance with national Vlad VÂGA legislation on intellectual property protection and “Henri Coandă” Air Force Academy respect of copyright. 160 Mihai Viteazul Street Invested, there was never invested, and not even 500 183 Braşov, Romania now invests in research and neither offers support E-mail: [email protected] for young aviation enthusiasts. Prospects are, as before, very good. We are, however, the same old dilemma: how to fund research and aviation industry? Follows another period of decline? Continued the missed opportunities? Or accept what they say European papers, we try a new road at the long-term sustainable development, the recovery of existing capacity and develop new science and technological progress, the elimination of the standard of living gap with the West, the they support and accept the resignation of hundreds of years? Europe says that where there is the aviation industry, is sustainable.

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